15 problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 2008 Jeep Patriot. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The subframe assembly on my 2008 Jeep Patriot has begun rusting out. The outer tie rod ends and lower ball joints are also worn. Similar issues have been addressed through a parts recall on the 2007 Jeep Patriot. This degradation of steering/suspension parts on a 2008 model warrant a recall similar to that of the 2007 model.
I only have 46,000 miles on my 2008 Jeep Patriot and I already need both front lower ball joints replaced and the left and right tie rods. I have never done any type of off-roading in this vehicle, it's only been driven on the street. I'm am very unhappy with this, it's unacceptable to make something so cheap on a vehicle!.
Wife drives a 2008 Jeep Patriot that has 38,955 miles on it and when taken in for oil change and vehicle inspection was told that the left lower ball joint was in need of replacement. Cost would be close to $400. 00 to replace that component. Being frugal and wanting a second opinion we took the vehicle to another shop, reputable and very good, to have a look see. They confirmed that the ball joint was worn out and required replacement and was causing the alignment of the car to be out of specification. Upon further inspection they also found that the right rear tow link was completely rusted out and missing which caused that wheel to be out of alignment and was providing a significantly bad wear situation for the tires. Seems to us that after only driving this vehicle for less than 40,00 miles that these components should still be in working condition. After paying a little over $300. 00 for these parts to be replaced, I am writing this wanting to know how to recoup this money. Components that control the steering and suspension of a vehicle are vital to safe driving and if they fail catastrophic consequences may ensue. Chrysler Jeep should feel responsible and not wait on a catastrophe to occur before they do something to curb and reduce this danger.
Had vehicle in for oil change and was told be dealer that both lower ball joints and tie rod ends were "wore out" and would need to be replaced. Oh and the ball joints are "built in to the lower control arm, so both lower control arms need to be replaced" this is on a vehicle that has only 43,500 miles on it! how can this be! there should be a recall on this because it seems to me that this is happening to a huge number of Jeep Patriot owners and these part should last way longer then 43,000 miles. This is poor quality parts! the owners of these vehicles should not be expected to replace these major suspension part ever 40,000 to 45,000 miles! the cost of this is over $1,000. 00. This is a very dangerous issue and definitely makes the vehicle unsafe.
At 58,200 miles, all highway/city driving, the right front lower ball joint on the vehicle went bad. After consulting with multiple owners of the Patriot, it seems to be a widespread issue with the vehicle.
I purchased a used Jeep Patriot with 32,952 miles on it. Previous owner had been told to replace front lower ball joints. I was told the front wheels could fall off at any time. Dealership replaced them for me along with rotors. Original tires had to be replaced because of defective ball joints, but the new ones are already showing wear. The dealer & 2 other shops said with such low mileage it should not have this problem. After ball joints/rotors were replaced the problem was worse. Not only was a ball joint still bad but I was told that both control arms are bad and need replaced. Now, after being replaced once (now just over 33,400 miles on the Jeep) I am told it is not safe to drive over about 40mph because still a wheel could fall off.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Patriot the contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for inspection where they detected that the front passenger's side lower ball joint was faulty. The vehicle was then taken to another mechanic for a second opinion who informed the contact that the front passenger's side tie rod end and lower ball joint would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 37,053. Updated 03/14/lj.
When purchasing new tires for my 2008 Jeep Patriot limited awd, the shop found that the lower ball joints were worn out. The vehicle has only 30883 highway miles on it. The Jeep dealer states that this has been a common problem and the demand at this time for the lower control arms from Chrysler is 930 per week. Having grown up around a front end and alignment business, I find this to very very abnormal. Whether it is a design flaw or inferior parts, Chrysler corp needs to be held accountable for repairs to these vehicles. Suspension and steering are not where manufactures need to be cutting corners when building cars! I will be repairing my Jeep with the best parts available, and maybe the people at Jeep should consider doing the same when they build their products. I am not the only one having this problem, the internet is full of complaints, and let's hope a ball joint doesn't break and injure someone before they decide to address the problem. It took me years to get over the Chrysler corp junk of the 60's and 70's and I truly hope they are not reverting back to the past.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Patriot 4x4. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle began to pull toward the right. Also, there was a loud clunking noise heard from outside of the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that both front lower ball joints were defective. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the repair was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. Updated 01/13/lj.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Patriot 4x4. While the contact was driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle began to turn to the right unintentionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the front passenger and driver side lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect and they were unable to provide further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was a 50,000. Updated 10/17/11 updated 10/21/11.
2008 Jeep Patriot front lower ball joints and outer tie rods were bad after 45k miles (99. 9% highway miles). The lower arms and outer tie rods were replaced. The defective parts are still available.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Patriot sport. The contact stated that both lower ball joints failed. While driving 25 mph, the lower ball joints began exhibiting a popping sound and caused the alignment to wear the tires prematurely. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and advised that the lower balls joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated that there were no recalls for the failure and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Patriot sport (na). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the contact was informed that the lower ball joint on the front driver and passenger side were defective. The contact called the dealer who offered no assistance. The contact was awaiting a decision from the manufacturer on whether they would assist in repairs. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Lower ball joints bad 83000 miles. Multiple posts by other on forum about same issue. Jeeppatriot dot com. Some people need new ones at less than 30,000 miles. Terrible parts used by Chrysler, I am afraid my tire will fall of on way to work so that I can pay for the repair that is needed!.
Jeep Patriot (2008) lower ball joints failed on both sides. Problem started at 37,000 miles. Car was taken to dealer, told to rotate tires (no mention of ball joints). Failed inspection 3 months later due to ball joints and lower control arms. Cost to repair over $1,000. Car must be fixed, but Jeep does not insure that the part will not fail again. Very dangerous situation!.